This website requires certain cookies to work and uses other cookies to help you have the best experience. By visiting this website, certain cookies have already been set, which you may delete and block. By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to the use of cookies. Visit our updated privacy and cookie policy to learn more.

This Website Uses CookiesBy closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Learn MoreThis website requires certain cookies to work and uses other cookies to help you have the best experience. By visiting this website, certain cookies have already been set, which you may delete and block. By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to the use of cookies. Visit our updated privacy and cookie policy to learn more.

Up Front: Men of Letters

I
receive letters to the editor on a regular basis, some complimentary, some not.
In the first half of this year, EIFS and stucco were attacked by self-serving
groups, and fortunately the industry responded with its own “letter to the
editor.”

On Friday, January 25, I watched the television footage just like everyone else
of the Monte Carlo Casino & Hotel in Las Vegas and was equally saddened to
see a beautiful building being destroyed by flames and moreover concerned for
the guests in the hotel and the firefighters. Unfortunately, some people and
competing industries with agendas had a different take on the story. The
anti-EIFS proponents came out of the woodwork and one publication for the
engineering field chimed in to help the anticipated “EIFS-must-be-banned”
chants. EIMA and its Executive Director Steve Klamke did a great job of
speaking up and presenting the truth. His letters to the editor at that
magazine helped set the record straight.

It has been more than six months since that day and try as they did, the
anti-EIFS group failed. Why? The simple truth and common sense was spoken. The
mega hotel-casino is and has been back in full operation. The code authorities
are not intending to make any revisions to the code with regard to EIFS (except
implementing it into the code). EIMA did what was needed and they prevailed. I
believe the letters helped.

STUCCO TAKES A HIT

Another magazine that is aimed at specification writers for architectural firms
across the U.S.
made unfortunate remarks recently about stucco. And similar to the negative
comments published by the other magazine on EIFS and the Monte Carlo, this other magazine ran a
feature on why stucco does not work in wet climates. A few months ago, I wrote
an editorial about urban legends and commented that false myths and mistruths
can take off if they get a foothold and must be faced head on to prevent
becoming part of society’s “assumed truth.” With that, I felt I was obligated
to write this letter to the editor of that magazine:

Dear Editor,

I was slightly disappointed to read the story “In the wrong place at the wrong
time.” The story indicates that stucco is the wrong material for coastal
climates. The author insinuates the only reason stucco works along the California coastline is
due to the lack of rainfall. I spent 15 years in Seattle
and assure you that properly applied stucco works along that rainy coastline,
as well as in California.
The author also infers that water pours through cracks in stucco. This is not
true and many tests confirm that hairline cracks in Portland cement rarely, if
ever, present a leak problem. Please do not take my word for it, go to Google
and look up “autogenous healing.”

I will be the first to state a poor stucco job is a disaster and a coastal
environment will hasten the failure. However, a proper stucco application over
metal framing with well-designed flashings will last the life of the building
with minimal maintenance, regardless of hairline cracks.

My concern is the author has painted stucco with a very broad and unfavorable
brush. An architect who may be considering stucco on their next project might
be inclined to use another product or system, when in fact cement stucco may be
the perfect choice and what the owner wants. I have written many articles … and
a book on cement stucco, I have lectured around the country, provided countless
expert witness testimony with cement stucco installations and have no
reservations about using traditional cement stucco on coastal projects. The
keys to success are a quality contractor with well-designed flashings and third
party inspections to verify proper installations. For example, the last
photograph in the article has an expanded flange casing bead over building
paper. To the trained expert, this is the first sign of trouble and a hint
there are more problems and substandard workmanship.

These letters do have an impact and must be done to preserve our industry. I
encourage others to take the time to write and comment if you see what you
think is unjust or self-serving. I appreciate all the comments and take them to
heart. And yes, even the negative ones. W&C

Mark Fowler joined Walls & Ceilings as editorial director in 2006. Fowler grew up in the construction business and has held a number of positions in different companies and associations. He spent 11 years with the Northwest Wall and Ceiling Bureau before moving to his position with Soltner Group Architects in Seattle. Fowler is currently the executive director of the Stucco Manufacturers Association. He can be reached at Mark@markfowler.org.